Picture by Vaughn Ridley/SWPix.com

The National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM) has been named as an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Research Centre for Prevention of Injury and Protection of Athlete Health– one of just nine around the world.

The IOC has identified the protection of athletes’ health and the prevention of injuries and illness in sport as top priorities for its Medical Commission. As part of its role as an IOC Centre, the NCSEM will be tasked with researching, developing and implementing effective preventive and treatment strategies for sports-related injuries and illnesses.

It will receive financial support from the IOC and join an international network of expert scientists and clinicians in sports-injury and diseases-prevention research.

“We are delighted to have appointed nine highly qualified centres from the four corners of the world to assist us with our mission,” said Dr Uğur Erdener, IOC Medical Commission Chair and Executive Board member.

“These centres have demonstrated that they are at the forefront of research in sports medicine and are committed to our shared goal of using knowledge and resources to ensure the athletes’ well-being so that sportsmen and women can perform at their best level with minimal risks to their health.” 

Professor Mark Lewis, Director of the NCSEM and Dean of Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, said: “I am delighted that the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine has been recognised in this way by the IOC.

“The NCSEM will integrate research, education and clinical services to accelerate the translation of scientific research into new models of healthcare provision, helping to ensure that the UK remains at the cutting edge of the prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries.”

The National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine is comprised of three hubs, based in the East Midlands, London and Sheffield.

As well as looking at athlete injuries and illness, the Centre will focus on the wellbeing of the general population. It will treat injuries caused by exercise and conditions associated with lack of exercise, and help people to cope with existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, through physical activity.